Marie Lloyd

Marie Lloyd, the popular music hall entertainer, was born in 1870 in Shepherdess Walk, Hoxton. Born Matilda Alice Victoria Wood, she was the eldest of at least 9 (and possibly 11) children to an artificial flower maker. John born 1871, Alice, Grace (the last two changed their names to Lloyd), Daisy, Rose, Annie, Sydney and Maud born in 1890.

She formed a troupe of little girls known as the Fairy Bell Minstrels, performing at schools and mission halls. By 9 May 1885, at the age of 15, she was on the stage of the music-hall the Eagle and soon earning £100 a week. She was much loved by the 'common folk' and became known to the public as "Our Marie".

Marie was married three times and her later years were marred by ill-health. She died on stage in 1922 and her funeral was attended by 50,000 people.

Since her songs were considered rather saucy, her records did not sell that well and so are quite scarce today. They include: Every little movement has a meaning of its own, A little of what you fancy does you good, The Piccadilly trot.

She is buried at Hampstead cemetery with the epitaph:

'Tired was she and she wouldn't show it.
Suffering was she and hoped we didn't know it.
But he who loved her knew, and understanding all
Prescribed long rest and gave the final call.'

Link to Marie Lloyd Webpage

and to one about Music Hall Artists